Growing Up in the Heart of Motown

Born in Detroit in 1950, I was immersed in the vibrant music scene that fuelled the city’s automotive industry. At 11, I discovered my passion for music, beginning with the trumpet and later transitioning to the Hammond organ, my first true love.

My grandmother’s gift of a bass guitar at 14 ignited a lifelong dedication to the instrument. Despite facing comparisons to the legendary James Jamerson, I persevered through countless hours of practice, fuelled by my mother’s advice: “Don’t get mad, get even.”

During Motown’s rise, I soaked up inspiration from artists like The Four Tops and Jamerson himself. My big break came when a stylish stranger, Edwin Starr, walked into a studio where I was working. Impressed by my skills, he offered me the role of musical director for his New York tour.

From that moment, my career took off. My Motown experience laid the foundation for my work with renowned artists like Al Jarreau, The Detroit Emeralds, Real Thing, and even Van Morrison.